The use of surnames dates back only to the late Middle Ages, around the 14th century. Almost all 9th and 10th century records show only one name for individuals. A pattern began to emerge in the late 12th century with regard to references to manors, estates and monasteries. This presentation will show, through examples from many types of documents produced during the medieval period, how the Little Ice Age climatic downturn impacted living conditions and imposed what would have been a major impetus to identify people. The use of a surname became the favoured and logical method to do so.
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Amazing webinar covering lots of areas of interest for me, must watch again to get the most from this fantastic webinar about Surnames.
Awesome
Wayne Shepheard, thank you for your very interesting and informative presentation. It offers a seldom considered perspective on the primary reason for the advent of surnames when viewed in conjunction with long-term climatic conditions. Fantastic – thanks again!
Very interesting and totally new information and reference materials to me. Also very engaging & knowledgeable speaker
I learned so much from Wayne’s webinar that I didn’t even know I wanted to learn. There’s so much information to tap into and places to look to further our genealogical studies and to make our knowledge of our ancestors and the lives they led so much richer. This webinar opened my eyes to another facet of my ancestors’ lives… and something to be aware of going forward. Fascinating is right! Thanks again.
I learned the different ways and books to find out how surnames came about.
excellent presentation. New information correlating climate change and development of surnames is especially interesting. I wonder how will our climate chaos will affect migration patterns and names.
This was a very important webinar. We would all be better genealogists if we studied the climate of the time(s) we are researching. As I began my journey in genealogy three decades ago, I was surprised at how often my people moved. Knowing more about their environment would undoubtedly explain their movements. Thanks or bringing this wonder speaker to us! Hope to see him more often on the schedule.